*Updated Jan 31* My Martin Backpacker Nylon Strings Classical Guitar

I wrote this review, but left a few things out, so I am going to add more information on the bottom of the page.

I did not buy my Martin backpack guitar,it was given to me as a Christmas present from my husband. My husband I were in the music store about a month before Christmas, and I told him this little guitar is a great idea. I took one down from the shelf and played it. On Christmas I found one under the tree.


I got this Martin backpack in 1999,for $177.13.He left the sales slip in the box,in case I wanted to return it. I did not want to return it.

I thought this is a great idea. I could take this guitar with me when I go camping.It fits great for traveling.It now goes every where my camper goes. You could also take this guitar on an airplane as they are designed to fit in overhead compartments. The backpacker comes with a carrying bag.

The Martin backpacker classical is very well constructed.It is made of solid woods.It has fifteen frets,and it has position markers on the sides of the fingerboard.The marks are at the 3,5,7,9,and the 12 frets.I like the idea of position markers on this guitar. The quality of this guitar is good even though it is made in Mexico,I feel it is a fine product. The sound is good,not as loud as my expensive guitar but neither is the price.The guitar has chrome tuners that are encased.The top, back,sides and neck are all genuine mahogany. It has a hand rubbed urethane finish.

The only thing I dislike about the guitar is I must use the strap or the guitar will slip away from me. The good thing is the strap comes with the guitar. I would say I have had a positive experience with this instrument and would recommend this guitar for anyone that dose not want to carry a more expensive instrument.It is well worth the money.

*Update*

I did forget to tell people that my Martin Backpacker came with a carrying bag. I wanted to describe it more. The bag is black and made of heavy material. I am not able to find the name of the material, but it seems to be very sturdy. In all these years, there are no sign of wear to the fabric. It has a zipper around the entire front side that opens up. The Backpacker fits neatly into the bag perfectly. The bag also has a side compartment for picks, papers, and folded pieces of music only. It is just a little too small for putting in music books. I only keep some sheet music because books are too big.

I also am not afraid of letting the grandchildren sit on the floor and play my Backpacker. They always want to touch my guitars, and the fear used to run through me. What if they dropped my expensive guitars?? I have a small collection now and none of them were cheap guitars. Most are in the thousands. This Backpacker is perfect for people who want to touch my guitars. I don't have to say no to my grand kids. I allow them to feel free to express themselves in a musical way. I feel it is most educational.